Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children

Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research to Promote the Flourishing of Every Child and Family

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, is a research centre focused on early interventions and social policy to allow children and youth to thrive.

Established in 2019 through a landmark gift from Dr. Edwin S.H. Leong, a prominent global business leader, philanthropist, and University of Toronto alumnus, our Centre brings together researchers to address and reduce inequities in child health outcomes resulting from the social and structural determinants of health. To learn more about our work and current activities, we encourage you to become a member for the latest news and events.

Areas of Focus

Health Inequities in Children

Addressing the causes and impact of societal disadvantage to promote the flourishing of every child and family

Mental Health

Preventing mental health problems and supporting optimal outcomes for those with mental healthcare needs

Chronic Childhood Conditions

Preventing illness and improving the well-being of children with chronic conditions and their families

Child Development & School Outcomes

Supporting healthy development during critical life stages

Care Delivery Models & Policies

Evaluating innovative models of care delivery and health and social policies

No upcoming events were found.

Jan 20, 2025

Changing maternal income between births and risk of adverse infant outcomes

Dr. Jennifer Jairam is an Epidemiologist and a Postdoctoral Fellow at Unity Health Toronto and ICES. Working alongside Dr. Joel Ray, Clinician Scientist at Unity Health Toronto, her research is supported by an Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children Studentship Award and a Keenan Postdoctoral Fellow Scholarship from the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. She provides a summary of her recent postdoctoral findings.

Jan 16, 2025

In the Aftermath

Dr. Tanya Sharpe, Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Social Work in the Global Community at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, is also the founder and director of The Centre for Research & Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims (The CRIB). As a member of the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, she provides an update on her impactful research project titled, In the Aftermath.

Jan 13, 2025

Reducing SARS-CoV-2 risk in children: Understanding the role of vaccination and public health measures

Dr. Jonathon Maguire is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, a Scientist at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, and a member of the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children. In this update, he provides insights into his research on reducing SARS-CoV-2 risks in children.

Co-Directors Message

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children brings together top researchers to help reduce inequities in child health, including those caused by social and structural determinants of health. Through strategic investments in research, education, training and infrastructure we are executing our vision of “harnessing interdisciplinary research to promote the flourishing of every child and family”.

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Acknowledgement of Traditional Land

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children is situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit River. We recognize and honour the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for thousands of years, and today, this land remains a vibrant meeting place for many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. The Centre is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and partners to promote the health and well-being of every child and family.